The Wapshot Scanda

By John Cheever, 249 pages (1964).

This sequel is a shadow of the first book and not part of my list.  It shares many of the qualities that frustrate reading the Chronicle, but lacks the peaceful honesty.  The best characters, particularly Leander, are gone but the frustrating digressions into otherwise minor character's interactions after leaving the Wapshot's lives continue.

As you can tell from the name, it's also about the fall of the family instead of its golden age.

Cheever's writing is still present and still great.  I particularly like his balance in sentences that move the reader along without rushing the narrative or the reader.  The peace is gone though, and I think that was part of the narrative.  The Chronicle reminded me of a trip last summer to Maine and made me think myself in the fall leaves of New England.  Much of this story takes place outside St. Botolphs, Massachusetts, so that aspect is gone.

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